FAQ
Description and History
Hedgehogs are insectivores (insect eaters), similar to moles, tenrecs, and shrews. They are native to Northern and Central Africa. Common types include the four-toed or white-bellied hedgehog. They come in many color variations, from cinnamon to white, but salt-and-pepper is the most common. Their quills are 1/2 to 1 inch long, but are not barbed like those of the American porcupine. The average hedgehog grows to be about 7 to 8 inches in length and weighs about a pound.
Life Span
The life span of a hedgehog in captivity is around 3 to 7 years.
What is WHS?
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) is a disease found in the African Pygmy domesticated hedgehog. It characteristics of vocalization of the grey matter of the brain and spinal cord that leads to neurogenic muscle atrophy. There is no inflammation of the central nervous system associated with WHS. The cause of WHS is unknown, but familial tendency to the disease has been indicated.
What kind of pet does a Hedgehog make?
A socialized hedgehog will not mind being picked up and will lay its quills flat as a gesture of trust. The best way to handle a hedgehog is to scoop it up by placing both hands under its body. Hedgehogs love to explore. Most hedgehogs will not come to humans looking for attention, but they do know their owners and will react more positively to their owner's touch than to that of a stranger. Some very relaxed hedgies will curl up in a ball and fall asleep in your sleeve or perhaps in your lap
Cage
The bigger the cage, the better. Hedgehogs have lots of energy and are very active. Make sure the floor of the cage is smooth, as hedgehogs will get their feet caught on wire mesh. Hagan cages made for dwarf rabbits are excellent. They have wire walls with a plastic bottom. we use 30x18x16 wire top cages
Cage Supplies
igloo for hiding place or some type of hiding place
12inch wheel reccomend the carolina wheel or comfort wheel
waterbottle any 16oz bottle
foodbowl- hard ceramic so they cant tip it over
Bedding
we reccomend aspen litter ,carefresh or fleece liners
Feeding
NEVER purchase pre-packaged hedghog food from a petstore. It is a reformulated guinea pig food, and does not provide adequate nutrition for a hedgehog. There's also many ingredients in the prepackaged food that a hedgehog cannot digest properly.
We recommend a good quality cat food or cat food mix that is high in protein and low in fat. Make sure that the first ingredient or two in the cat food is a meat product,
You can mix it with hedgehog food like Spikes Delite food
For treats veggies and fruit .. will give list when adopt a baby
Are they clean animals?
Hedgehogs are very clean. They are odorless, most will adapt to going in a litter box, and their urine has no ammonia like smell.
Do they need a companion?
Hedgehogs are solitary animals, therefore one will be very happy. Females can be kept together in a big enclosure with plenty of hiding boxes. Males can never be kept together.
Are they prone to any health problems?
Hedgehogs are very hardy and do not need routine vaccinations. The most common vet visit is due to mites. Owners will notice heavy flaking of skin or quill loss in patches. . Hedgehogs are also prone to obesity if given a diet too high in fat and not given opportunity for exercise, which in turn will lead to death. Always feed a low-fat diet, and give hedgehogs plenty of exercise. Also Cancer is very common in hedgehogs.
Who should own a Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are excellent pets due to their easy maintenance. People who tend to be allergic to other animals find that hedgehogs do not trigger their allergies. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so if you work all day your hedgehog will fit into your schedule. Teenagers who are experienced holding and taking care of animals will find hedgehogs a real joy. Young children, supervised by an older child adult, can safely enjoy them too.
Any Questions just Email us today!!!
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